Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Current favorite: Perfume.


I don't know about you guys, but I am a huge perfume fan. I wear it pretty much everyday, and it's the last thing I do as a part of my morning routine. I always feel extra pretty and feminine when I know I smell nice. I usually rotate about three or four perfumes, but lately I've been only wanting to wear this one...


                                                                      Source: sephora.com via Crystal on Pinterest


            Michael by Michael Kors. My mom gave me this perfume for Christmas, and I've worn it almost every single day. Now, I'm no expert in describing scents, but I'll try. This has a very floral scent to it, but it's not a sickening grandma floral perfume that can give some people a headache. The notes that I know are in it are tuberose, freesia, and musk. It's very feminine, but has enough musk and spice to it to make it a strong and sexy scent. I get compliments a lot of the time when I wear it, which always makes me feel like it is not too strong that it overwhelms others. No one likes to be the girl who's perfume can be picked up a mile away! Anyways, I love everything about it. From the packaging to the lasting power, Michael Kors sure knows how to make a bottle of perfume. 

What are some of your favorite scents? I'd love to try a few new ones.
Happy Tuesday!
xoxoKelsey.



Saturday, January 21, 2012

Some tunes.

Today I thought I'd share some music with you guys! I am a huge music lover, and decided it was time to share my love with the blogging world. I thought it was only appropriate to start with one of my favorite bands of the past few years, Manchester Orchestra. 

If you have not heard these guys, stop what you are doing, and check them out on itunes or spotify or whatever source of music you have right now. They are seriously magical. Haunting lyrics, beautiful melodies, and wonderful vocals. 
I've been a fan of these guys since I saw them about five years ago while they were on tour. I had no idea who they were, but I teared up after watching them. I cry at just about everything, but it takes a special band to give me chills. They perform with such conviction, and some of their songs bring tears to me eye every time I hear them. I sound like such a sap,  and it very well may be true :).

Here they are playing one of my favorite songs...







A few of my other favorites by MO are I Can Feel a Hot One, Virgin, Where Have You Been, and The River.
Check them out, and please let me know if you love them as much as I do!

What music are you loving lately? I'm always looking for new music to enjoy and share.

Happy Saturday!
xoxoKelsey.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Snowed In.

Whew! The weather has been quite eventful the past few days. I think there's a good 6 inches or so of snow outside, along with a layer of ice and then a bit more snow on top! So as you can guess we spent most of the week inside away from the cold. I feel like I've become the master of being snowed in, so here's a little step-by-step guide on we survived the Seattle snowstorm. Warning: These steps really have nothing to do with surviving a storm of any sorts :).

1. We went outside and enjoyed a walk in the snow. Complete with sliding and slipping while trying to walk.
 
2. We stayed outside for a few minutes to make some snowballs. Ian made his levitate. Just kidding. It's obviously just my mad photography skills :).

3.I wore lots of these long socks. Our apartment building is old and drafty, and I needed to keep warm!

 4. I made us some delicious pancakes. Because what's a snowstorm without something good to eat?

5. I made my favorite chocolate cookies. These really had nothing to do with the fact that it was snowing, but it added a nice touch.

6: I built the best snowman of all time with my hubby and brother-in-law. It took a lot of  time, snow, food coloring, and black beans to make it happen. (Anyone recognize the Rage comics character?)

7. I learned to play Settlers of Catan by candlelight due to the power outage at my in-laws. It made the game much more realistic with the candles and lack of warmth. 

8. Lastly, I sat inside and realized how lucky I was to have a warm place to stay with family and friends to keep me company. I may have also thought about how to keep myself from going stir crazy.

 Tomorrow it is suppose to start raining here, and I have NEVER been so excited for rain! You can quote that back to me the next time I complain about it.Which will probably be on Saturday. 
 It's funny how a storm can really throw everything off.  I haven't really worked all week, and I feel totally disoriented after being inside for two days straight. Cabin fever is definitely a real thing. 

Happy Thursday!
xoxoKelsey.












Sunday, January 15, 2012

Snow day





Coat and scarf-H&M/Dress-Forever 21/Boots-BCBGeneration/Necklace-gift/Belt-H&M

    Today was the first snow day of the year. Now, a snow day in Seattle usually means just a few sprinkles here and there, but it still counts. We sure know how to overreact to snow, let me tell you. Half and inch of that darn white stuff and the whole city is in panic mode. It's pretty funny. We decided to take advantage of our snow day and spent it inside watching some shows and eating lunch. I seem to have come down with a bit of laryngitis, so it was nice to relax and try to avoid talking too much. (I think I was unsuccessful at not talking, unfortunately).
  
    It was actually really fun taking these pictures in the snow, despite the fact that I was pretty chilly. I just love this little dress so much that I couldn't skip taking pictures of it. And when you look at the picture below, you can tell I didn't mind the snow one bit! Warning: majorly cheesy photograph alert. 


It's suppose to snow for the next few days, so you may be getting some outfit pictures of me in a snowsuit :).

Happy Sunday!
xoxoKelsey.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Hair: Current favorites

Today I wanted to share some of my favorite hair products! Some of these have been long time favorites of mine, and others are either new or recently rediscovered. Since I work as a stylist, I'm constantly trying what's out there so that I am able to recommend things to other people. I can't recommend anything unless I've tried it myself! Actually, I just tell myself to justify my product hoarding.

 Here are my current favorites:
(In order from left to right)

1. Aquage Sea Salt Texturizing Spray- This stuff is a holy grail product of mine. I started using it about four years ago, and haven't been without it since. This spray gives you that awesome "dirty" feel to your hair, almost like you skipped a day of washing it, and then went swimming in the ocean. I don't know about you, but I hate when my hair is too clean. It needs a bit of dirt for it to actually style how I want it to. I love using this product especially when I wear my hair naturally wavy. It gives my hair separation and definition without a heavy residue or stickiness. It has a beautiful matte finish, and works great with all hair types. I tend to use it when my hair is wet, but it works on wet and dry hair.

2. Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion- This is what you'd consider a "prep" product. It has tea tree oil in it so it soothes your scalp, and also is a great detangler. I suffer from a really dry scalp in the winter, and this makes it feel wonderful and protects it from the cold and impact of the environment. It also can be used as a light styling spray. It can gently tame  ]and protect your hair while blow drying and styling, but will not have much hold or memory to it. I've found that it also works as a great as a refresher for slept on hair!

3. Bumble and Bumble Does it All Styling Spray- I am SO in love with this stuff. It really stands true to its name. You can apply it before using a flat iron or curling iron to help control and hold a style without a lot of stickiness. It also is amazing for teasing your hair, but is not too strong so you can easily brush it out. It has almost no feel to it, and can be used to build up structure and hold in your hair. You can layer it on itself to increase it's hold, but your hair will remain soft and pliable. It's not a hairspray in that it's not meant to have a stiff feel or aquanet-type hold to it. Think of it as an extra boost to whatever style you're trying to achieve. I use it before any heat is used on my hair, even when it's still wet!

4+5: KMS Touch-up spray and Makeover Spray. In laymen's terms, this is a dry shampoo and conditioner. The makeover spray is what you would use on the roots of your hair to absorb oil, and build volume. If shaken well, it doesn't give your hair too much of a strong white cast to it. It will tint darker hair if it's not brushed thoroughly, but nothing long lasting. It has a pleasant smell, and cleans without a heavy residue. The touch-up spray is basically the same idea, but for the ends of your hair. Since my hair is curly, the ends tend to be a bit on the dry side. This refreshes the ends with a light damp spray, and allows you to restyle and tame your hair. This works especially well on hair that was slept on and looks a bit wild.  These products pair very well together, and allow me to skip a few extra days of washing my hair!

I hope you guys love discovering new hair products as much as I love talking about them! I really feel like things this good need to be shared with the masses, and it's nice to share my obsessions with other beauty fanatics.

Happy Friday!
xoxoKelsey.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Lately vol.4

Here's what I've been up to in the past few weeks:










1. I'm really in love with bows and stripes. 
2. I've gone to the gym pretty regularly the past few weeks. I'd say I'm off to a good start at getting in shape!
3 and 4: My nephew, Micaiah, was born last week. We have two nieces, and are excited to have a little man around now! By the way, I think my husband is in love with him!
5. My salon is selling Bumble and Bumble products exclusively. I feel like a kid in a candy shop!
6. Winged liner and lipstick= LOVE.
7. A girlfriend and I made homemade pizza for our boys. It was pretty darn delicious, and a lot cheaper than eating out.
8. We then played a heated game of Phase 10. 
9. Ice cream sundaes are definitely a part of my diet, so I'm hoping they contain some sort of fat burning qualities :).
10. I'm rereading The Hunger Games trilogy. It's even better than the first time I read it about a year ago!  Peeta is my book boyfriend forever and always.

I hope everyone is having a great week!
Happy Wednesday.
xoxoKelsey.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Phase


 I just love the little squiggly stripes on this sweater. I love stripes in general, but when they have a bit of a quirk to them, I love them even more! This little pullover is becoming one of my favorite things to throw on for a comfy day. 


Sweater-Forever 21/Jeans-H&M/Necklace-Delia's/Boots-Target

 Saturday nights are usually a day that we go out to eat with a few friends. Instead of going out last night, we stayed in and made pizza and ice cream sundaes. Everything was fine and dandy until we started playing Phase 10. If you've ever played the game then you know it has the ability to make enemies out of friends, and can cause a lot of tears and yelling. There really were no tears (maybe one or two), and just a few yells here and there. But man, that game is intense! I forgot how much I love playing card/board games. Who says the only way to have fun is to go out on the town? Give me homemade pizza and a riotous card game anytime :).

Happy Sunday!
xoxoKelsey

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Hot Mess.

This is the first post of a new monthly series I'm starting called "Hairspiration." 
I am constantly finding myself browsing and saving pictures of hairstyles that inspire me as a stylist, and that give me ideas for my own hair as well. I thought it would be fun to share what is inspiring me in the world of hair each month so that you guys may appreciate them too!

This month I'm completely loving messy and imperfect looks. It's essentially a really laid back hairstyle, but has enough polish to wear out for a night or to work. I find it very modern to pair a messy hairstyle with a fancier outfit. It's the perfect juxtaposition. This look is especially great for girls with lots of fine hair that has a lot of natural texture to it.

Here are some of my favorite looks that I found via Pinterest!









                              Now if only my hair would obey and actually start to grow so I could 
                                wear some of these awesome hairdos. :)
                         Happy Friday!
                      xoxoKelsey.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Fate





(Top-Forever 21/Tank and Leggings-Target/Boots-BCBGeneration/Bag-Urban Outfitters/Scarf-Gift from a friend)

This outfit was perfect for a rainy and easy going Monday. The day was spent running errands, cleaning, and watching Downton Abbey. I cannot get enough of that show! I'd say the  only really eventful part of the day was when I somehow managed to shattered a small perfume bottle in my bathroom. I now have built in air freshener due to the perfume all over my shower curtain. :)

    I am truly and completely in love with this bag. Urban Outfitters always has such great bags, but they are rarely in my price point. Last week I walked into the store, and heard the angels sing as I saw the sign that stated everything on sale was an additional 50% off. I snagged this beauty as soon as I saw it. It was fate. The brown and navy is a gorgeous combo, and it looks amazing with almost everything.

Happy Tuesday!
xoxoKelsey.


Sunday, January 1, 2012

Goals.

Happy 2012! I hope you guys had a wonderful New Year's Eve, and that you were surrounded by loved ones. 
I spent it with my hubby and another couple, and enjoyed every second of it. We went out for a nice dinner, and then watched the fireworks from Kerry park. It's one of the best places to go for a good view of Seattle!

I really love New Year's resolutions. I can't say that I completely follow through on all of them, but I absolutely love making goals for myself. I figured with a long list of goals, I'm bound to at least accomplish a few of them!
So, here are my goals for the new year.

1. Get on a regular blogging schedule.
2. Create a fun and creative workout routine, and stick to it!
3. Improve my guitar playing skills.
4. Start selling some of my handmade goods.
5. Give more of myself to others.
6. Keep a journal of things that I'm inspired by.
7. Try to always be kind and loving to those around me.
8. Grow my hair out past my shoulders.
9. Rent a house.
10. Travel to at least three places. 

So my goals are not that crazy, but I definitely think they are great ones. Hopefully I can complete at least a few of them. 
Do you have any goals for the new year? If so, please share them. I'd love to know.



 (That's me and my adorable friend Jackie. We were ALL about the sequins and sparkles.)

Happy Monday!
xoxoKelsey.